Tablet Dispenser

ABSTRACT

A dispensing container is provided. The dispensing container includes an actuation cover; a dispensing cartridge and an outer shell. The dispensing cartridge includes a storage hopper. The storage hopper includes a first outlet. The storage hopper is configured for gravity feeding product adjacent the first outlet. The outer shell includes a central cavity and a second outlet. The dispensing cartridge is positioned within the central cavity. The dispensing cartridge is transitionable between an open orientation in which the first and second outlets are aligned providing a pathway through both the first and second outlets and a closed orientation wherein the first and second outlets are offset decreasing the size of the pathway.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/505,367, filed Jul. 7, 2011, the entire teachings and disclosure of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to dispensing containers and more particularly containers for dispensing pills or similarly sized tablets.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many different styles of containers exist for storing pills and other tablet type products, i.e. sugar or sweetener, of similar size and shape. Some containers will include means for dispensing individual or multiple pieces of the product that is stored within the containers. For instance, the dispensing container may be used to dispense a predetermined number of pills such that a user gets a proper dose of medicine. Unfortunately, if the dispensing mechanism of the container is difficult to use, people with arthritis or other physical impairments may have difficulty dispensing the product therefrom.

The present invention relates to improvements in the dispensing container art for pills and tablets having a similar size thereof.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention provide a new and improved dispensing container. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention provide a new and improved dispensing container that has an actuation container that telescopically transitions relative to an outer shell to dispense product from the dispensing container. In even more particular embodiment, actuation of the actuation cover relative to the outer shell transitions a dispensing cartridge internal to the device between open and closed orientations to dispense predetermined amounts of product from within the dispensing container.

In one embodiment, a dispensing container including an actuation cover; a dispensing cartridge and an outer shell is provided. The dispensing cartridge includes a storage hopper. The storage hopper includes a first outlet. The storage hopper is configured for gravity feeding product adjacent the first outlet. The outer shell includes a central cavity and a second outlet. The dispensing cartridge is positioned within the central cavity. The dispensing cartridge is transitionable between an open orientation in which the first and second outlets are aligned providing a pathway through both the first and second outlets and a closed orientation wherein the first and second outlets are offset decreasing the size of the pathway.

In a more particular embodiment, in the closed orientation the pathway is completely closed.

In one embodiment, the dispensing cartridge includes a holding cavity that holds a predetermined amount of product in the closed orientation that is to be dispensed when transitioned to the open orientation. In a more particular embodiment, the holding cavity is immediately adjacent the holding cavity.

In one embodiment, wherein when the dispensing cartridge is aligned such that the gravity feed of the storage hopper is aligned with the pull of gravity, the first outlet is laterally offset from the holding cavity, and not vertically below the holding cavity.

In one embodiment, a product limiting mechanism is provided that is configured to prevent additional product from entering the holding cavity in the open orientation and configured to allow product to enter the holding cavity in the closed orientation.

In one embodiment, the product limiting mechanism reduces the size of a mouth of the holding cavity in the open orientation to prevent additional product from passing through the mouth and into the holding cavity. This prevents an uncontrolled amount of product from exiting the dispensing cartridge.

In one embodiment, the product limiting mechanism is a wall that extends into the mouth of the holding cavity.

In one embodiment, the dispensing cartridge is axially positioned between a top wall of the actuation cover and a bottom wall of the outer shell. The actuation cover is mechanically slidably affixed to the outer shell to secure the dispensing cartridge within a cavity generally defined by the actuation cover and the outer shell.

In one embodiment, a biasing mechanism is interposed between the outer shell and the actuation cover and biases the actuation cover generally away from the outer shell.

In one embodiment, the biasing mechanism is interposed between the dispensing cartridge and the bottom wall of the outer shell biasing the dispensing cartridge away from the bottom wall and towards the top wall of the actuation cover.

In one embodiment, the biasing mechanism is integrally formed as a continuous piece with either the outer shell or the dispensing cartridge.

In one embodiment, the biasing mechanism is a coil spring formed separately from the outer shell and the dispensing cartridge.

In one embodiment, the biasing mechanism biases the dispensing cartridge towards the closed orientation.

In one embodiment, the outer shell defines a dispensing aperture through which product is dispensed. The dispensing aperture is downstream from the first and second outlets. A dispensing cavity is interposed between the dispensing aperture and the second outlet and is defined by the outer shell.

In one embodiment, the dispensing cavity is aligned with the direction of movement of the actuation cover relative to the outer shell, i.e. with gravity.

In one embodiment, product stored therein is sized such that only a single piece of product is dispensed at a time, i.e. that only a single piece of product can enter into the holding cavity at a given time.

In one embodiment, the actuation cover closes the storage hopper of the dispensing cartridge.

In one embodiment, the dispensing cartridge is housed entirely within the actuation cover and the outer shell. In a more particular embodiment, the axial position of the dispensing cartridge relative to the outer shell is determined solely by the position of the actuation cover relative to the dispensing cartridge and the biasing element. The interface between the outer shell and the dispensing cartridge, in one embodiment, does not prevent removal of the dispensing cartridge from the cavity formed by the outer shell, in which the dispensing cartridge is carried.

Other aspects, objectives and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a isometric bottom illustration of a dispensing container according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded illustration of the dispensing container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded illustration of the dispensing container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional illustration of the dispensing container of FIG. 1 in a closed orientation;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional illustration of the dispensing container of FIG. 1 in an open orientation;

FIG. 6 is an exploded cross-sectional illustration of the dispensing container of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 7 is a partial illustration of the dispensing container of FIG. 1 in cross-section excluding the dispensing cartridge thereof;

FIG. 8 is a further cross-sectional illustration of the dispensing cartridge of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a further cross-sectional illustration, similar to FIG. 4, having the dispensing cartridge 100 in a closed orientation including product therein; and

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional illustration similar to that of FIG. 5 with the dispensing container in a open configuration having product therein.

While the invention will be described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, there is no intent to limit it to those embodiments. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a dispensing container 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The dispensing container is used for storing pills or pill sized tablets such as medicine, candies, and the like. The dispensing container 100 is configured for dispensing a predetermined number of tablets.

The dispensing container 100 includes an outer shell 102 and an actuation cover 104. The actuation cover 104 moves axially relative to outer shell 102 to dispense product from the dispensing container 100 as will be more fully described below. More particularly, the actuation cover 104 moves parallel to actuation axis 106 relative to the outer shell 102. The outer shell 102 includes a dispensing aperture 108 through which the predetermined number of pills or tablets are removed or expelled from the dispensing container 100.

With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the dispensing container 100 is illustrated in an exploded isometric view (FIG. 2) and an exploded cross sectional view (FIG. 3). The dispensing container 100 includes a dispensing cartridge 110 that is actuated axially relative to the outer shell 102 to selectively dispense the pills or tablets from the dispensing container 100. More particularly, actuation of the actuation cover 104 relative to outer shell 102 causes similar actuation of the dispensing cartridge 110 to selectively dispense the product from the dispensing container 100. Actuation of actuation cover 104 transitions the dispensing container between a closed orientation and an open orientation.

A cooperating engagement structure is provided between the outer shell 102 and the actuation cover 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the cooperating engagement structure is provided by a pair of radially inward projecting pins 112 (only one shown) of the actuation cover 104 that extend into and cooperate with corresponding ones of a pair of guide slots 114 (only one shown).

The diameter of the pins 112 is sized such that it is substantially equal to or provides a loose fit engagement with the width of the guide slots 114. However, the diameter of the pins 112 is less than the height of the guide slots 114. This arrangement provides lateral positioning of the actuation cover 104 but allows for vertical displacement of the actuation cover 104 relative to the outer shell 102 along actuation axis 106. For instance, the actuation cover 104 is permitted to move axially along, i.e. parallel to, actuation axis 106 a distance equal to the height of guide slot 114 minus the diameter of the pins 112.

With additional reference to FIG. 4, the dispensing cartridge 110 includes a storage hopper 118 in which the product to be dispensed is generally stored. The storage hopper 118, when the dispensing container 100 is assembled, is closed by the top 120 of the actuation cover 104. The dispensing hopper 118 also includes an outlet passage 122 through which the product travels as it exits the dispensing container 100. More particularly, a product will pass along dispensing pathway 124 as it travels through the dispensing cartridge 110 during operation of the dispensing container 100. The dispensing container 100 is a gravity feed container such that no biasing of the product through the device is necessary.

With primary reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the operation of the dispensing container 100 will be described. In FIG. 4, the dispensing container is in a closed orientation such that product cannot be dispensed from the storage hopper 118 of the dispensing cartridge because dispensing pathway 124 is blocked. In FIG. 5, the dispensing container 100 is illustrated in an open configuration such that a predetermined amount of product can be removed from the dispensing container 100 along dispensing pathway 124.

In the closed orientation of FIG. 4, the dispensing cartridge 110 is axially biased away from a bottom 128 of the outer shell 102 (illustrated as arrow 130) by a biasing element illustrated in the form of spring 132.

In this orientation, a first outlet port 134 of the outlet passage 122 of the dispensing cartridge 110 is blocked by a corresponding blocking member 136 of the outer shell 102. The first outlet port 134 is positioned adjacent to a holding cavity of the outlet passage 122. The first outlet port 134 is laterally offset from the holding cavity of the outlet passage 122.

When a user applies a force illustrated as arrow 138 (FIG. 5) to the actuation cover 104 to move the actuation cover 104 and dispensing cartridge 110 axially towards the bottom 128 of the outer shell 102 and compresses spring 132, the outlet port 134 is transitioned relative to blocking wall member 136. When the blocking member 136 is no longer interfering with the outlet port 134 and outlet port 134 is aligned with a second outlet port 152, product is permitted to pass through the outlet port 134 and along dispensing pathway 124 and out of the dispensing container 100. Once the force 138 is removed from the actuation cover 104, the actuation cover 104 and dispensing cartridge 110 are biased back away from bottom 128 to transition the dispensing container 100 back to the closed orientation of FIG. 4.

A product regulating wall 142 regulates the amount of product that is dispensed during each actuation of the actuation cover 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the product regulating wall 142 is formed as part of the outer shell 102 and extends from the bottom 128 thereof parallel to the actuation axis 106.

In the closed orientation (see FIG. 4), the product regulating wall 142 does not significantly, if at all, interfere with the outlet passage 122. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the dimensions of a mouth of the holding cavity of the outlet passage 122 are substantially defined between a first wall 144 and a portion of second stepped wall 146 of the dispensing cartridge 110. The second wall 146 being spaced apart from the first wall 144. This dimension between these first and second walls 144, 146 defines the amount or size of product that is allowed to transition through the outlet passage 122 and position itself proximate to outlet port 134. Typically this will be a single tablet. All the while, the blocking member 136 closes off the outlet port 134 to prevent such product from exiting the dispensing container 100.

As force 138 is applied to the actuation cover 104 to transition the dispensing container 100 to the open configuration, the product regulating wall 142 is increasingly inserted into the outlet passage 122 of the dispensing cartridge 110 to significantly reduce the dimension of the outlet passage. As such, the dimension of the outlet passage 122 is now defined between the first wall 144 and the distal end 148 of the product regulating wall 142. By reducing this dimension of the mouth of the holding cavity of the outlet passage 122, product that is larger than that reduced dimension of the mouth is prevented from passing into the portion of the outlet passage 122 proximate the first outlet port 134. Typically, all product will have its minimum dimensions at least greater than this newly reduced dimension of the mouth to prevent it from transitioning to a position within the outlet passage 122 proximate the outlet port 134. This prevents product within storage hopper 118 from undesirably spilling from the dispensing container 100 in the open orientation.

Again, in the open orientation of FIG. 5, the product that was in the lower portion of the outlet passage proximate the outlet port 134 is allowed to exit the outlet passage 122 and progress along the dispensing pathway 124 and exit the dispensing container 100 through dispensing aperture 108. Notably, the actuation axis 106 of the dispensing container 100 is substantially parallel to a feed direction of product within storage hopper 118 and the direction that product exits the dispensing aperture.

The dispensing cartridge 110 includes a regulating wall receiving aperture 150 that axially receives the product regulating wall 142 therethrough.

The blocking member 136 and bottom 128 of the outer shell 102 define a second outlet port 152. This second outlet port 152 aligns with the first outlet port 134 in the open configuration. In the closed configuration, the first and second outlet ports 134, 152 are axially offset from one another to thereby reduce the dimension of the dispensing pathway 124 therethrough and prevent product from exiting the dispensing container 100.

Now that a description of the operation of the dispensing container 100 has been provided, further details of the individual components of the dispensing container 100 will be described.

The outer shell 102 generally includes bottom 128 from which a generally annular sidewall 158 extends axially. The bottom 128 and sidewall 158 define a central cavity 160 that generally receives and houses the dispensing cartridge 110 when assembled. The dispensing aperture 108 is formed in bottom 128 of the outer shell 102.

The blocking member 136 defines or bounds a part of a dispensing cavity 162 that fluidly communicates the dispensing aperture 108 with the second outlet port 152. The dispensing pathway passes through the dispensing cavity. The guide slots 114 are formed in annular sidewall 158.

The actuation cover 104 generally includes a top 120 and an annular sidewall 166 that extends axially from an internal surface of top 120. The top 120 and sidewall 164 generally define a cavity 168. The annular sidewall 164 is sized larger than the annular sidewall 158 of the outer shell 102. This allows for a telescoping receipt of the outer shell 102 within the cavity 168 of the outer shell 102. The pins 112 extend radially inward from an inner surface of the annular side wall 164.

The outer shell 102 includes locating flanges 170, 172. A groove 174 is formed between adjacent ends of the locating flanges 170, 172. Further, the locating flanges 170, 172 are spaced radially inward from the annular sidewall 164. This radial spacing defines a generally annular channel 176 between the locating flanges 170, 172 and the outer annular sidewall 164. The groove 174 and channels 176 receive a top distal end 180 of the dispensing cartridge 110.

The dispensing cartridge 110 is axially located between the top 120 of the actuation cover 104 and the bottom 128 of the outer shell 102. Because the outer shell 102 and actuation cover 104 are axially prevented from disengaging during normal operation, due to the cooperating engagement structure provided by the pins 112 and guide slots 114, the dispensing cartridge 110 is maintained within the general cavity defined by the combination of cavities 160 and 168 of the outer shell 102 and actuation cover 104.

The dispensing cartridge 110 is under axial biasing provided by spring 132 such that the dispensing cartridge 110 is always axially biased into the inner surface of the top 120 of the actuation cover 104. Therefore, the dispensing cartridge 110 need not be mechanically or adhesively secured to the actuation cover 104. However, in alternative embodiments, the dispensing cartridge 110 could be mechanically or adhesively secured to the actuation cover 104. As noted above, the distal end 180 of the dispensing cartridge 110 is axially received into the grooves 174 and channels 176 formed by the actuation cover 104. As such, the locating flanges 170, 172 assist in maintaining the proper alignment of the dispensing cartridge 110 relative to the actuation cover 104 and thus relative to the outer shell 102.

The storage hopper 118 of the dispensing cartridge 110 is generally funnel shaped. This funnel shape directs product stored therein towards the outlet port 134 and generally along the dispensing pathway 124 due to gravity. The storage hopper 118 generally includes an enlarged upper region 180 for storing a larger amount of product. The enlarged storage region 180 includes slanted bottom walls 182. The outlet passage 122 includes a slanted bottom wall 184 that further guides the product down towards and orients the product relative to the outlet port 134.

The dispensing cartridge 110 defines a blocking member receiving cavity 186 that axially receives the structure that includes blocking member 136. This blocking member receiving cavity 186 is defined in part by the first wall 144 and an outer wall 188.

Spring 132 could be a separate spring, such as a coil spring. Alternatively it can be an integrally formed spring member formed as a continuous part of the dispensing cartridge.

FIGS. 9 and 10 further illustrate the operation of the dispensing container 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. More particularly, FIG. 9 illustrates the dispensing container 100 in a closed orientation. In this orientation, product 190 is permitted to slide past the product regulating wall 142 and proximate the first outlet port 134. More particularly, in this orientation, the dimension between the stepped wall 146 and first wall 144 is greater than the dimension between the product limit regulating wall 142 and first wall 144 in the open orientation.

In FIG. 10, the dispensing container is in the open orientation. In this orientation, product 192 is permitted to be dispensed out of the dispensing container 100. More particularly, the first and second outlet ports 134, 152 are aligned and the product is allowed to exit through dispensing aperture 108. However, product 190 is prevented from transitioning down towards the first outlet port 134 because the product regulating wall 142 inhibits its motion by reducing the dimension of the outlet passage 122 as discussed above.

All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) is to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. 

1. A dispensing container comprising: an actuation cover; a dispensing cartridge including a storage hopper, the storage hopper including a first outlet; the storage hopper being configured for gravity feeding product adjacent the first outlet; and an outer shell including a central cavity and a second outlet, the dispensing cartridge positioned within the central cavity, the dispensing cartridge transitionable between an open orientation in which the first and second outlets are aligned providing a pathway through both the first and second outlets and a closed orientation wherein the first and second outlets are offset decreasing the size of the pathway.
 2. The dispensing container of claim 1, wherein in the closed orientation the pathway is completely closed.
 3. The dispensing container of claim 1, wherein the dispensing cartridge includes a holding cavity that holds a predetermined amount of product in the closed orientation that is to be dispensed when transitioned to the open orientation.
 4. The dispensing container of claim 3, wherein the holding cavity is immediately adjacent the holding cavity.
 5. The dispensing container of claim 4, wherein when the dispensing cartridge is aligned such that the gravity feed of the storage hopper is aligned with the pull of gravity the first outlet is laterally offset from the holding cavity, and not vertically below the holding cavity.
 6. The dispensing container of claim 3, further comprising a product limiting mechanism that is configured to prevent additional product from entering the holding cavity in the open orientation and configured to allow product to enter the holding cavity in the closed orientation.
 7. The dispensing container of claim 6, wherein the product limiting mechanism reduces the size of a mouth of the holding cavity in the open orientation to prevent additional product from passing through the mouth and into the holding cavity.
 8. The dispensing container of claim 7, wherein the product limiting mechanism is a wall that extends into the mouth of the holding cavity.
 9. The dispensing container of claim 1, wherein the dispensing cartridge is axially positioned between a top wall of the actuation cover and a bottom wall of the outer shell, the actuation cover mechanically slidably affixed to the outer shell to secure the dispensing cartridge within a cavity generally defined by the actuation cover and the outer shell.
 10. The dispensing container of claim 9, further including a biasing mechanism interposed between the outer shell and the actuation cover biasing the actuation cover generally away from the outer shell.
 11. The dispensing container of claim 10, wherein the biasing mechanism is interposed between the dispensing cartridge and the bottom wall of the outer shell biasing the dispensing cartridge away from the bottom wall and towards the top wall of the actuation cover.
 12. The dispensing container of claim 11, wherein the biasing mechanism is integrally formed as a continuous piece with either the outer shell or the dispensing cartridge.
 13. The dispensing container of claim 11, wherein the biasing mechanism is a coil spring formed separately from the outer shell and the dispensing cartridge.
 14. The dispensing container of claim 11, wherein biasing mechanism biases the dispensing cartridge towards the closed orientation.
 15. The dispensing container of claim 3, wherein the outer shell defines a dispensing aperture through which product is dispensed, the dispensing aperture is downstream from the first and second outlets, a dispensing cavity is interposed between the dispensing aperture and the second outlet.
 16. The dispensing container of 15, wherein the dispensing cavity is aligned with the direction of movement of the actuation cover relative to the outer shell.
 17. The dispensing container of claim 1, further comprising product stored therein, the product sized such that only a single piece of product is dispensed at a time.
 18. The dispensing container of claim 1, wherein the actuation cover closes the storage hopper of the dispensing cartridge. 